MATI CITY, Davao Oriental — A 13-year-old student stood at the center of local politics on June 30 as he administered the oath of office to the new mayor of Mati City—an unusual but powerful moment that set the tone for a more inclusive and people-centered leadership.
Ulrich Keith “Uki” Nombrado Viray, a Grade 7 honor student and campus journalist from Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy (IHMA), had the rare honor of swearing in Mayor Joel Mayo Z. Almario during a symbolic inauguration at City Hall Compound.
The moment wasn’t just ceremonial—it reflected Almario’s deep belief in education and youth empowerment, aligning with the city’s “Edukasyon Para sa Tanan” initiative and his advocacy, “MAYOng Edukasyon para sa MAYOng Kaugmaon.”
Uki has consistently excelled in school. He recently finished the school year with high honors, served as vice president of the IHMA Graders’ Coordinating Group, and earned the Don Vicente S. Almario Sr. Excellence Award.
In journalism, he placed third in the Division Schools Press Conference and qualified for the regional contest in English news writing.
Almario, who previously served as a congressman and vice governor, said returning to politics wasn’t in his plans. After 24 years in public service (15 as a congressman and nine as vice governor), he had embraced private life, spending time with family, friends, and his dogs, and watching his son Chino succeed him in Congress.
He said his decision to run was not driven by ambition but by a sense of duty.
“I am here, not as someone who sought power, but as someone who answered a call to serve,” he said.
He described hearing people’s frustrations about lost opportunities, slow progress, and divisive leadership.
Drawing on his 16 years of Jesuit education, Almario said he felt a moral and social responsibility—not just to stop what was wrong, but to begin what was right. “I said yes, not out of ambition, but out of conviction. Not as a politician, but as a fellow Matinyan.”
Almario also looked back at his role in authoring the bill that converted Mati into a city, calling it one of his most meaningful contributions. “I will not waste what I fought for.”
He acknowledged the overwhelming support he received in the May 2025 elections, with over 52,714 Matinyans voting for change, affirming their desire for "a new, fair, progressive, and developmental kind of leadership."
In a show of unity, he also reached out to outgoing Mayor Michelle Rabat before taking office. The two shared coffee the day before the ceremony, discussing her concerns and priorities. Almario described the meeting as a gesture of mutual respect and a sincere effort to build bridges.
Almario addressed concerns about Job Order (JO) employees, assuring those who had stayed away from politics and focused on their work that they would be rehired, subject to a performance-based evaluation. Acknowledging limited resources, he pledged that every project, investment, and decision must benefit all. He committed to a “politics of performance grounded in compassionate leadership,” with success measured not by political noise but by the satisfaction of the people.
“We will not lead with hate. We will not divide. We will build longer tables, not higher walls,” he added.
Finally, he addressed those who didn’t vote for him. “Let me be clear: I am your mayor, too. Together—yes, we can.”
For the people of Mati, especially the young ones like Uki, the day marked more than a new term. It was the beginning of a leadership built on humility, unity, and hope. DEF